Reconfigurable label assembly

ABSTRACT

A reconfigurable label assembly is presented. The assembly includes a container, a front panel, a back panel, a bottom panel, and an optional pair of attachment elements. The bottom panel is disposed between and substantially parallel to the front and back panels in a first configuration to form a label attached to and completely separable from the container. The label is disposed along an outer surface of the container in the first configuration and is configurable to form a receptacle in a second configuration. The front and back panels are separable and the bottom panel is expandable to form the receptacle after the label is removed from the container. The receptacle is capable of holding a consumable product. The receptacle is reconfigurable to the label after use as the receptacle so that the label may be directly reattached to the container. The optional attachment elements cooperate to releasably secure the front, back, and bottom panels to the container in the first configuration.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/220,185 entitled Reconfigurable Label Assemblyfiled Dec. 14, 2018 which is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/421,885 entitled Reconfigurable Label Assemblyfor use with a Pet filed Feb. 1, 2017 now U.S. Pat. No. 10,192,466 whichis a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/177,399entitled Reconfigurable Label Assembly filed Jun. 9, 2016 now U.S. Pat.No. 9,601,035 which is a divisional application of U.S. National Phaseapplication Ser. No. 14/419,537 entitled Reconfigurable Label Assemblyand Container filed Feb. 4, 2015 now U.S. Pat. No. 9,390,633 which isbased upon and claims priority from Patent Cooperation TreatyApplication No. PCT/US2013/051568 entitled Reconfigurable Label Assemblyfiled Jul. 23, 2013 which further claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication Nos. 61/729,441 filed Nov. 23, 2012 and 61/680,300 filedAug. 7, 2012, both entitled Reconfigurable Label. The subject matters ofthe prior applications are incorporated in their entirety herein byreference thereto.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to a label for use with a containercontaining a consumable product, namely, food or drink. Specifically,the invention is a label in a first configuration disposed along acontainer in a removable fashion that is configurable to a leak-proofreceptacle in a second configuration, non-limiting examples including acup or a bowl, capable of holding the consumable product dispensed fromthe container into the receptacle. The label is multiply transformablebetween the two configurations.

2. Background

The embodiments described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,390,633 entitledReconfigurable Label Assembly and Container include a label removablysecurable to a container. The label is configurable between label andreceptacle forms. The securing means between label and container mayfurther include an adhesive. After the label is removed from thecontainer, the adhesive may remain along the label and/or container. Insome applications, the exposed adhesive may attract dirt and debris orcreate a nuisance whereby label and/or container adhere(s) to objectsthat contact the adhesive. Therefore, it would be advantageous toinclude another means for removably securing a dual-purpose label to acontainer while preserving reattachment functionality.

In one example, a means other than an adhesive may be advantageous asthe primary means for securing and/or re-securing a dual-function labelto a container.

In another example, a means other than adhesive may be advantageous as asecondary or optional means for securing and/or re-securing adual-function label to a container. In the latter applications, thesecondary/optional means may be used with or complement an adhesivemeans for attaching a label to a container.

Accordingly, what is required is a reconfigurable label assemblyincluding a non-adhesive means for attaching and reattaching a label toa container wherein the label in a first configuration is transformableto a receptacle in a second configuration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is a reconfigurable label assembly includinga non-adhesive means for attaching and reattaching a label to acontainer wherein the label in a first configuration is transformable toa receptacle in a second configuration.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, an improvedreconfigurable label assembly includes a container, a front panel, aback panel, a bottom panel, and an optional pair of attachment elements.The front, back, and bottom panels are attached. The bottom panel isdisposed between and substantially parallel to the front and back panelsin a first configuration to form a label attached to and completelyseparable from the container. The label is disposed along an outersurface of the container in the first configuration and is configurableto form a receptacle in a second configuration. The front and backpanels are separable and the bottom panel is expandable to form thereceptacle in the second configuration after the label is removed fromthe container. The receptacle is capable of holding a consumableproduct. The receptacle in the second configuration is configurable tothe label in the first configuration after use as the receptacle in thesecond configuration so that the label in the first configuration isdirectly reattachable to the container. The optional attachment elementsare separately disposed at opposite ends of the label in the firstconfiguration. The attachment elements cooperate to releasably securethe front, back, and bottom panels to the container in the firstconfiguration.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, one attachmentelement is disposed along a first side seam and another attachmentelement is disposed along a second side seam. The first and second sideseams overlap when the label is disposed about the container.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the attachmentelements are magnetic.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, one attachmentelement is magnetic and another attachment element is magneticallyattractable.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the attachmentelements comprise a hook-n-loop fastener.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the attachmentelements comprise a first slot disposed along a first side seam and asecond slot disposed along a second side seam. The slots permitmechanical interlock between the first side seam and the second sideseam.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the attachmentelements facilitate attachment of the front, back, and bottom panels tothe container in the first configuration.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the attachmentelements facilitate reattachment of the front, back, and bottom panelsto the container in the first configuration.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a method for using animproved reconfigurable label assembly includes the steps of removing alabel from a container in a first configuration, configuring the labelto a receptacle in a second configuration, and reconfiguring thereceptacle to the label. The label includes a front panel, a back paneland a bottom panel disposed in a substantially parallel arrangement. Thecontainer includes a consumable pet product. In the configuring step,the front and back panels are separated and the bottom panel is expandedto form the receptacle. The receptacle is capable of holding theconsumable pet product. In the reconfiguring step, the front, back, andbottom panels are once again disposed in a substantially parallelarrangement.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the methodfurther includes dispensing the consumable pet product from thecontainer into the receptacle between configuring and reconfiguringsteps and permitting a pet to consume the consumable pet product fromthe container after dispensing step.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the methodfurther includes reattaching the label to the container after thereconfiguring step.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the removing stepfurther includes separating a pair of attachment elements disposed atopposite ends of the label.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the reattachingstep includes joining a pair of attachment elements disposed at oppositeends of the label.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the attachmentelements are magnetically operable.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the attachmentelements are hook-n-loop operable.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the attachmentelements are operable via a pair of slots separately disposed along afirst side seam and a second side seam thereby permitting mechanicalengagement between the first and second side seams.

Several advantages are offered by the invention. The invention isapplicable to and compatible with a variety of containers examplesincluding but not limited to containers composed of cardboard, glass,metal, and composite. The attachment elements facilitate a primary meansfor securing and re-securing a dual-function label to a container. Theattachment elements facilitate a secondary or option means for securingand re-securing a dual-function label to a container.

The above and other objectives, features, and advantages of thepreferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent from thefollowing description read in connection with the accompanying drawings,in which like reference numerals designate the same or similar elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will beunderstood and will become more readily apparent when the invention isconsidered in the light of the following description made in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a reconfigurable label assemblywhereby a label in a first configuration is attached in a removablefashion about a circumference of a container in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating a reconfigurable label assemblywhereby a label in a first configuration is attached in a removablefashion about a circumference of a container in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3a is a front view illustrating a reconfigurable label in a firstconfiguration disposed along a planar surface after removal from acontainer and prior to transformation into a receptacle in a secondconfiguration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3b is a side view illustrating the profile of a reconfigurablelabel in a first configuration in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a reconfigurable label partiallyunfolded during transformation to a receptacle in a second configurationin accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view illustrating a reconfigurable labelnearly completely unfolded during transformation into a receptacle in asecond configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a reconfigurable label fullyunfolded to form a receptacle in a second configuration with a pair ofside panels, a front panel, and a back panel attached to a bottom panelin accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view illustrating a reconfigurable labelpartially unfolded during transformation into a receptacle in a secondconfiguration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating a reconfigurable label disposedalong a planar surface after removal from a container and prior totransformation into a receptacle in a second configuration in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating a reconfigurable label partiallyunfolded during transformation to a receptacle in a second configurationin accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating a side panel of a reconfigurablelabel nearly completely unfolded during transformation into a receptaclein a second configuration in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a reconfigurable label fullyunfolded to form a receptacle in a second configuration with a pair ofside panels, a front panel, and a back panel attached to a bottom panelin accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating a front, back or side panel along areceptacle in a second configuration with a scalloped edge in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross section view through the circumference of a containerillustrating attachment of a reconfigurable label in its fully collapsedform in a first configuration disposed about and attached to the outercircumference of a container in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view illustrating a reconfigurable labelunfolded to form a receptacle in a second configuration including afront panel, a back panel, and a bottom panel in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view further illustrating thereconfigurable label in a second configuration as in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a top view illustrating a reconfigurable label fully unfoldedin a second configuration so that a front panel and a back panel aredisposed about the perimeter of a bottom panel thereby forming areceptacle capable of containing a consumable product without leakage inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the reconfigurable label in a secondconfiguration as in FIG. 14 illustrating arrangement of the bottom panelwithin the receptacle.

FIG. 18 is a top view illustrating a reconfigurable label partiallycollapsed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a top view illustrating a reconfigurable label fullycollapsed in a first configuration so that a bottom panel is disposed ina parallel planar arrangement between front and back panels inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the reconfigurable label in a firstconfiguration as in FIG. 19 illustrating the bottom panel in a foldedarrangement along the length of the label.

FIG. 21a is a cross section view illustrating a reconfigurable labelcollapsed to form a planar-shaped label in a first configuration inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21b is a cross section view of the reconfigurable label in FIG. 21apartially unfolded so that the bottom panel is partially expandedbetween the front and back panels.

FIG. 21c is a cross section view of the reconfigurable label in FIG. 21afully unfolded in a second configuration so that the bottom panel iscompleted expanded and horizontally disposed between the front and backpanels so as to form a receptacle.

FIG. 22a is an enlarged cross section view illustrating a pair ofattachment elements disposed between a first side seam and a second sideseam whereby the attachment elements directly contact and removablysecure the first and second side seams in accordance with an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 22b is an enlarged side view illustrating an attachment elementdisposed along and fixed to an inward facing surface of the first sideseam in FIG. 22 a.

FIG. 22c is an enlarged side view illustrating an attachment elementdisposed along and fixed to an outward facing surface of the second sideseam in FIG. 22 a.

FIG. 23a is an enlarged cross section view illustrating a pair ofattachment elements separately embedded within a first side seam and asecond side seam so that the first and second side seams are securedwithout direct contact between the attachment elements in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23b is an enlarged cross section view illustrating a pair ofattachment elements wherein one attachment element is disposed along anoutward facing surface of a first side seam and another attachmentelement is embedded within a second side seam so that the first andsecond side seams are secured without direct contact between theattachment elements in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23c is an enlarged cross section view illustrating a pair ofattachment elements wherein one attachment element is disposed along anoutward facing surface of a first side seam and another attachmentelement is disposed along an inward facing surface of a second side seamso that the first and second side seams are secured without directcontact between the attachment elements in accordance with an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 24 is an enlarged side view illustrating a pair of attachmentelements prior to coupling wherein each attachment element is a slotdisposed along a first side seam and a second side seam in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25a is an enlarged side view illustrating coupling between a pairof slot-shaped attachment elements separately disposed along a firstside seam and a second side seam whereby the attachments elements securethe first and second side seams to one another in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25b is a top view further illustrating overlap between the firstand second side seams in FIG. 25 a.

FIG. 25c is a bottom plan view further illustrating overlap between thefirst and second side seams in FIG. 25 a.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged cross section view illustrating an optionaladhesive layer disposed between an inward facing surface along a labeland an exterior surface along a container in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of theinvention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawingsand the description to refer to the same or like parts. The drawings arein simplified form and are not to precise scale.

While features of various embodiments are separately describedthroughout this document, it is understood that two or more suchfeatures may be combined into a single embodiment.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the reconfigurable label assembly 31 isillustrated including a container 32 with an optional cap 33 and a label34. The container 32 may be any device capable of holding and storing aconsumable product in liquid, solid, or liquid/solid form, non-limitingexamples including food and drink for pets. The container 32 may becomposed of a deformable or rigid material, non-limiting examplesincluding soft plastics, hard plastics, glass, metal, or composites. Thelabel 34 may be an element of sheet wise construction which is bendable,flexible, or pliable so as to conformably contact the outer surface ofthe container 32. For example, the label 34 may conform to thecircumference 68 or perimeter of a container 32 so as to cover a portionof the center region of the container 32 as represented in FIG. 1 or thelabel 34 may substantially cover the container 32 in other embodiments.The label 34 may further include indicia 66 (generally represented bythe region identified by reference numeral 66) completely or partiallycovering the front panel 35 of the label 34 between the top edge 36 andbottom edge 37 of the label 34, as represented in FIG. 1. The indicia 66may include words, designs, pictures, bar coding, and/or any item whichvisually communicates information to an observer or a device held by anobserver. In one example, indicia 66 may include product relatedinformation, designs, and/or trademarks. In another example, indicia 66may include instructional information pertaining to the label 34 and itsuse and reuse. In yet another example, indicia 66 may include a codewhich launches content viewable on a smartphone or the like. The label34 may be fabricated via one or more materials which are impermeable.Preferably, materials may be recyclable and disposable. Exemplarymaterials include, but are not limited to, plastic, wax coated paper,and waterproof cardboard.

Referring now to FIGS. 3a and 3b , an embodiment of a label 34 withindicia 66 is shown disposed along a planar surface 67 so that a frontpanel 35 is clearly visible and a back panel 40 contacts the planarsurface 67. The label 34 is disposed in a collapsed configuration sothat the front and back panels 35, 40 are disposed about a pair of sidepanels 45 and a bottom panel 46. The panels 35, 40, 45, 46 are closelyspaced and substantially parallel so as to form a structure of nominalthickness, as represented in FIG. 3b , which minimizes extension of thelabel 34 from the container 32. In one non-limiting example, each panel35, 40, 45, 46 may be 1 to 4 mils thick. The label 34 is bounded by atop edge 36, a bottom edge 37, and a pair of side edges 38, 39. Theedges 36-39 generally define the area visible when the label 34 isattached to a container 32. Although a rectangular-shaped label 34 isillustrated in FIG. 3a , other shapes are possible.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a label 34 is partially unfolded by rotatingthe front and back panels 35, 40 away outward adjacent to the bottomedge 37, as illustrated by the arrows. This motion causes the bottomedges 37 to separate and the top edges 36 to move closer. The bottompanel 46 assumes a v-shaped arrangement pivoting about a fold 41 whichtraverses the length of the label 34, also see FIG. 5. The fold 41 issubstantially parallel to the front and back panels 35, 40. The frontand back panels 35, 40 are also slightly separated from the bottom panel46 to display a side panel 45 in a substantially collapsed and foldedcondition. The label 34 is folded by moving the bottom edges 37 inwardtoward each other.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a label 34 is nearly completely unfolded byfurther rotating the front and back panels 35, 40 away from each otheradjacent to the top edge 36. The bottom panel 46 is nearly planar sothat the fold 41 forms an obtuse angle approaching 180 degrees. Thefront and back panels 35, 40 are oriented nearly perpendicular relativeto a planar surface. The side panels 45 are nearly completely unfolded.Each side panel 45 includes a fold 43 which traverses the height of theside panel 45 and intersects with the fold 41 along the bottom panel 46.Each side panel 45 also includes a pair of inclined folds 42, 44 whichintersect the fold 43 at the top end of the side panel 45. The fold 44also intersects the corner formed between the front panel 35 and thebottom panel 46. The fold 42 also intersects the bottom panel 46 andbetween the back panel 40 and the bottom panel 46. It is also possibleto transform the label 34 into a receptacle 29 by separating the frontand back panels 35, 40 which in turn cause relative rotation motionwhereby the bottom panel 46 is expanded and the side panels 45 extended.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the side panels 45 unfold outward and refoldinward along folds 42, 44. The bottom panel 46 unfolds downward andfolds upward via the transverse fold 41. Folds 42, 44 and fold 41 aredisposed in opposite directions. The side panels 45 unfold from andrefold onto the bottom panel 46 via the fold 43. Folds 43, 41 overlapwhen configured as a label 34.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a label 34 is shown in a fully unfoldedcondition forming a receptacle 29 capable of holding a consumableproduct in a leak-proof manner. The front, back and side panels 35, 40,45 are disposed in a substantially perpendicular arrangement withrespect to the now substantially planar bottom panel 46. The front,back, and side panels 35, 40, 45 are attached to the bottom panel 46about the perimeter 72. The front and back panels 35, 40 are attached atopposing ends to each of the side panels 45. Attachment between variouspanels 35, 40, 45, 46 is possible via molding, bonding, ultrasonicwelding, forming, or other suitable methods. The indicia 66 along thefront panel 35 are clearly visible. Additional indicia 70 (generallyrepresented by the region identified by reference numeral 70) may beprovided along the back, side, and/or bottom panels 40, 45, 46 asillustrated in FIG. 6.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the various panels 35, 40, 45, 46 aresufficiently rigid when unfolded so as to substantially maintain thedesired shape of the receptacle 29. The shape and rigidity of thereceptacle 29 is further ensured by the forces applied by a consumableproduct within the receptacle 29.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an alternate embodiment is illustrated for theside panels 45 of the label 34 configurable into a receptacle 29. A fold71 is disposed along the side panel 45 so as to partially traverse theheight of the side panel 45. The fold 71 is further disposed in aparallel arrangement with respect to the front and back panels 35, 40.Another fold 43 is disposed along the side panel 45 and collinear withthe fold 71 so as to intersect the fold 71 at one end and the fold 41 atanother end, the latter traversing the bottom panel 46. The folds 43, 71are disposed in opposite directions. The folds 42, 44 are disposed in aninclined arrangement along the side panel 45. One end of the fold 44intersects the point where the folds 43, 71 meet and another endintersects the corner formed between the front panel 35 and bottom panel46. One end of the fold 42 intersects the point where folds 43, 71 meetand another end intersects the corner formed between the back panel 40and bottom panel 46. Folds 43, 41 overlap when configured as a label 34.Folds 71, 42, 44 are foldable in the same direction and are oppositelyfoldable from the fold 43.

In this embodiment, the label 34 is unfolded by separating the front andback panels 35, 40 and folded by joining the front and back panels 35,40, as illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 7. The side panels 45 unfoldoutward and fold inward along the folds 42, 43, 44, 71. The bottom panel46 unfolds downward and folds upward via the transverse fold 41. Aportion of the side panel 45 folds onto the bottom panel 46 via the fold43 so that the folds 43, 41 overlap. The front, back, and side panels35, 40, 45 are folded by moving the front and back panels 35, 40 towardone another, as illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 9.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the front panel 51 of an alternate label 50 isshown including a top edge 52, a bottom edge 53, a pair of side edges54, 55 and optional indicia 66, as otherwise described herein, disposedalong a planar surface 67.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the label 50 is shown in a partially unfoldedcondition. The front and bottom panels 51, 57 are substantially planardisposed elements. The back panel 56 includes a fold 59 which traversesthe back panel 56 separating two substantially planar portions. Thisarrangement allows the back panel 56 to fold onto itself when configuredfor use as a label 50 so that the front and bottom panels 51, 57 aredisposed in a substantially parallel arrangement about the back and sidepanels 56, 58.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the label 50 is shown in a substantiallyunfolded configuration for use as a leak-proof receptacle 63. Each sidepanel 58 includes a fold 60 which partially traverses the height of theside panel 58. Each side panel 58 also includes a pair of folds 61, 62disposed at an incline. One fold 62 intersects the lower end of the fold60 at a first end and intersects the corner formed between the front andbottom panels 51, 57 at a second end. The other fold 61 intersects thelower end of the fold 60 at a first end and intersects the corner formedbetween the back and bottom panels 56, 57 at a second end. A fourth fold69 is provided along each side panel 58 so as to intersect theintersection of folds 60, 61, 62 at one end and intersect the fold 59 atthe other end. Folds 60-62 are configured to collapse in a directopposite from the fold 69.

Referring now to FIG. 11, the label 50 is shown in a fully unfoldedcondition forming a receptacle 63 capable of holding a consumableproduct in a leak-proof manner. The front, back, and side panels 51, 56,58 are disposed in a substantially perpendicular arrangement withrespect to the now substantially planar bottom panel 57. The front,back, and side panels 51, 56, 58 are attached to the bottom panel 57about the perimeter 72 of the bottom panel 57. The front and back panels51, 56 are attached at opposing ends to each of the side panels 58.Attachment between various panels 51, 56, 57, 58 may be made viamolding, bonding, ultrasonic welding, forming, or other suitablemethods. The indicia 66 along the front panel 51 are clearly visible.Additional indicia 70 may be provided along the back, side, or bottompanels 56, 58, 57 as illustrated in FIG. 11.

Referring again to FIG. 11, the front, back, bottom, and side panels 51,56, 57, 58 are sufficiently rigid when unfolded so as to substantiallymaintain the desired shape of the receptacle 63. The shape and rigidityof the receptacle 63 is further ensured by the forces applied by aconsumable product within the receptacle 63.

In this embodiment, the label 50 is unfolded by rotating the back panel56 away from itself as illustrated by the arrow in FIG. 9 and separatingthe front and back panels 51, 56 as illustrated by the arrows in FIG.10. The side panels 58 fold inward and unfold outward via the folds 60,61, 62, 69. Each back panel 56 folds onto and unfolds away or expandsfrom itself via the fold 59. A portion of each side panel 58 folds ontothe back panel 56 via overlap of the folds 59 and 69.

Referring now to FIG. 12, one or more panels 35, 40, 45, 51, 56, 58,and/or others described herein may include a scalloped edge 65 or othernon-linear feature along the top edge 36, 52 of the label 34, 50 tominimize cuts to a user which might result from a linear edge.

The labels described herein are attachable in various configurations. Inone example, a label 34, 50 and others described herein may completelysurround the circumference 68 of a container 32 so that the side edges38, 39 or 54, 55, respectively, abut, as represented in FIG. 13. Inother embodiments, the side edges 38, 39 or 54, 55 may overlap orterminate so as to expose a portion of the container 32 between the sideedges 38, 39 or 54, 55.

The various labels may be secured to a container 32 via several means.In one example, tape 64 may be applied to overlap the opposed side edges38, 39 or 54, 55 of a label 34 or 50, respectively, as represented inFIG. 13. The label 34, 50 may be pulled tight onto the container 32 sothat frictional forces secure the label 34, 50 to the container 32. Inother embodiments, adhesive may be applied between the back panel 40 andcontainer 32 or the bottom panel 57 and container 32. The back panel 40contacts the container 32 with regard to the embodiments described inFIGS. 1-7. The bottom panel 57 contacts the container 32 with regard tothe embodiments described in FIGS. 18-11. In yet other embodiments, anadhesive strip or tabs may secure overlapping side edges 38, 39 or 54,55. In still other embodiments, the side edges 38, 39 or 54, 55 mayinclude interlocking tabs or hook-like extensions which facilitateattachment of the label 34, 50 to a container 32.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, a label 73 is shown separate from acontainer 32 and expanded to form a receptacle 89, examples includingbut not limited to a bowl or cup, capable of holding a consumableproduct without leakage. The label 73 is attachable and reattachable toa container 32 as described for other embodiments. The label 73 includesa front panel 74 and a back panel 75 which form the sides of thereceptacle 89. The front and back panels 74, 75 are generallyrectangular-shaped elements, although other shapes are possible,composed of a bendable material preferably water resistant orwaterproof, although not necessarily required for non-liquid consumableproducts. The label 73 further includes a bottom panel 83 which formsthe bottom of the receptacle 89. The bottom panel 83 may be a circularor elliptical shaped element, although other shapes are possible,composed of a bendable material preferably water resistant orwaterproof, although not necessarily required for non-liquid consumableproducts. The bottom panel 83 may cause the front and back panels 74, 75to be generally arcuate when the label 73 is unfolded thereby definingthe shape of the receptacle 89. The shape of the receptacle 89 is designdependent and generally defined by the shape of the bottom panel 83. Thebottom panel 83 may further include a fold 84 which partially orcompletely traverses the width of the bottom panel 83. The back panel 75contacts the container 32 with respect to the embodiments described inFIGS. 16-23 c.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-17, the opposed side edges 78, 79 along thefront panel 74 are aligned with and attached to likewise disposed sideedges 78, 79 along the back panel 75. The leftmost overlapping sideedges 78 of the front and back panels 74, 75 may be attached via anadhesive or ultrasonic weld to form a side seam 80, preferably forming aseal. The rightmost overlapping side edges 79 along the front and backpanels 74, 75 may also be attached via an adhesive or ultrasonic weld toform a seam 81. Side seams 80, 81 are generally disposed along thelength of the respective side edges 78, 79 where the front and backpanels 74, 75 overlap and contact. The perimeter 86 of the bottom panel83 contacts and overlaps the inner surface of the front and back panels74, 75 adjacent to the bottom edges 77. The overlap may include aportion of the bottom panel 83 oriented upward or downward, the formershown in FIG. 21b , with a seam 82 formed along the overlap. Theperimeter 86 may be attached to the front and back panels 74, 75 alongthe overlap via an adhesive or ultrasonic weld to form the seam 82. Thebottom panel 83 may be disposed at a substantially horizontalarrangement that intersects the front and back panels 74, 75 so that thefront and back panels 74, 75 extend above the bottom panel 83. Inpreferred embodiments, the bottom panel 83 intersects the front and backpanels 74, 75 at a substantially perpendicular or oblique angle. Thebottom panel 83 is biased toward the bottom edges 77 of the front andback panels 74, 75 and away from the top edges 76. In some embodiments,the bottom panel 83 may be attached to the front and back panels 74, 75so that the bottom panel 83 and seam 82 are disposed in an inclinedarrangement immediately adjacent to the side seams 80, 81, asrepresented in FIG. 17. The capacity of the receptacle 89 is definedapproximately by the top edge 76, the bottom panel 83, and the perimeter86 of the bottom panel 83 with adjustments for any inclines adjacent tothe side edges 78, 79. The seams 80, 81, 82 ensure that the receptacle89 formed by the front, back, and bottom panels 74, 75, 83 is capable ofholding a consumable product without leakage.

In yet other embodiments, a rectangular-shaped bottom panel 83 may befolded lengthwise along the fold 84 and placed betweenrectangular-shaped front and back panels 74, 75. The bottom panel 83 maypartially overlap the front and back panels 74, 75 starting at or nearthe bottom edges 77 with the fold 84 oriented toward the top edges 76.The front panel 74, back panel 75, and bottom panel 83 may be joined viaside seams 80, 81 adjacent to side edges 78, 79, respectively.Approximately one half of the bottom panel 83 is joined to the frontpanel 74 and the remainder is joined to the back panel 75. The centraland outer portions of one half of the bottom panel 83 may beultrasonically welded to the front panel 74 adjacent to the bottom edge77 along a seam 82. The outer portions may be welded along an angledorientation oriented upward and toward each side seam 80, 81. Thecentral and outer portions of one half of the bottom panel 83 may beultrasonically welded to the back panel 75 adjacent to the bottom edge77 along a seam 82. The outer portions may be welded along an angledorientation upward and toward each side seam 80, 81. The seams 80, 81,82 allow the front and back panels 74, 75 to be separated and the bottompanel 83 to unfold thereby forming a receptacle 89 whereby the bottompanel 83 is biased toward the bottom edge 77.

Referring now to FIG. 18, the receptacle 89 is shown partially collapsedduring reconfiguration as a label 73. The receptacle 89 is collapsed byapplying an inward closing force 87 along the front and back panels 74,75 in the direct of the fold 84. The fold 84 ensures that the bottompanel 83 folds generally half-wise and moves upward between the frontand back panels 74, 75 when collapsed.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 and 20, the label 73 is shown in its fullcollapsed condition. The label 73 is now substantially planar with aprofile substantially equal to the rectangular shape of the front andback panels 74, 75, as represented in FIG. 20, and a thicknessapproximately equal to the sum of the thicknesses for the front panel74, the back panel 75, and twice the bottom panel 83, as represented inFIG. 19. In one non-limiting example, each panel 74, 75, 83 may be 1 to4 mils thick. The indicia 85 (generally represented by the regionidentified by reference numeral 85) shown along the front panel 74 inFIG. 14 would be clearly visible along the collapsed label 73. Whenfully collapse, the bottom panel 83 is folded in half and substantiallyparallel to the front and back panels 74, 75, as represented in FIG. 20,with the fold 84 oriented toward the top edge 76. The bottom panel 83may partially or completely overlap the height of the front and backpanels 74, 75, depending on the shape and dimensions of the bottom panel83.

The label 73 is expanded to form a receptacle 89 by applying an outwardopening force 88 onto the front and back panels 74, 75, as representedin FIG. 21a . The opening force 88 causes the front and back panels 74,75 to separate from the bottom panel 83, as represented in FIG. 21b .The bottom panel 83 unfolds along the fold 84 as the distance betweenthe front and back panels 74, 75 increases. When the front and backpanels 74, 75 are completely separated, at least a portion of the bottompanel 83 may form a substantially horizontal element, as represented inFIG. 21 c.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 22 a-22 c, the side seams 80, 81 mayinclude attachment elements 99 a, 99 b for securing and/or re-securing alabel 73 to a container 32 whereby the attachment elements 99 a, 99 bare components fixed to the side seams 80, 81. The first side seam 80and the second side seam 81 generally extend from opposite ends of thereceptacle 89. Each of the first side seam 80 and the second side seam81 may be formed by an overlapped and joined arrangement between thefront panel 74 and the back panel 75. The front panel 74 may be bondedto the back panel 75 via an adhesive, ultrasonic weld, or other meansunderstood in the art. An attachment element 99 a may be fixed along theinward facing surface 90 of the first side seam 80. An attachmentelement 99 b may be fixed along the outward facing surface 91 of thesecond side seam 81. The attachment elements 99 a, 99 b may be securedto the respective side seams 80, 81 via an adhesive or other meansunderstood in the art. The attachment elements 99 a, 99 b may eitherpartially or completely traverse the respective side seams 80, 81between top 92 and bottom 95, the latter shown in FIGS. 22b , 22 c.

Referring again to FIGS. 22a-22c , each attachment element 99 a, 99 b issized with respect to and positioned along the respective side seams 80,81 so that the attachment elements 99 a, 99 b at least partially contactwhen the side seams 80, 81 at least partially overlap. The attachmentelements 99 a, 99 b are oriented either to directly or indirectly engagethereby securing the side seams 80, 81 in a non-permanent fashion sothat the side seams 80, 81 remain separable. The side seams 80, 81 maybe removably securable via the attachment elements 99 a, 99 b when frontpanel 74, back panel 75, and bottom panel 83 are disposed in asubstantially parallel and collapsed arrangement, otherwiserepresentative of the label 73 in the first configuration shown in FIG.19. When the side seams 80, 81 are removable secured, the label 73generally forms a closed shape that surrounds and conforms to theperimeter of the container 32 onto which the label 73 is applied.

Referring again to FIGS. 22a-22c , each attachment elements 99 a, 99 bis generally understood to include at least two components that incombination facilitate releasably secured contact between the side seams80, 81. In one example, the attachment elements 99 a, 99 b may include apair of magnets separately disposed along the respective side seams 80,81 so that the attractive forces magnetically engage and pull the sideseams 80, 81 together. In another example, one attachment element 99 amay be a magnet and another attachment element 99 b may be amagnetically-attractable material separately disposed along the sideseams 80, 81 so that the attractive force of the magnet engages themagnetically-attractable material thereby pulling the side seams 80, 81together. The magnetically-attractable material may include, but is notlimited to, ferrous metals in strip or foil form. In yet anotherexample, one attachment element 99 a may include hooks and anotherattachment element 99 b may include loops which facilitate mechanicalinterlock when the attachments elements 99 a, 99 b contact. One specificexample of attachment elements 99 a, 99 b with hook-n-loop operabilityis the product sold under the trademark VELCRO® owned by VelcroIndustries B.V. located in Curacao, The Netherlands Antilles.

Referring now to FIGS. 23a and 23b , it may be advantageous in someembodiments for an attachment element 99 a, 99 b to be embedded betweena front panel 74 and a back panel 75. This feature is generallycharacterized by the front panel 74 and the back panel 75 at leastpartially enclosing one attachment element 99 a or 99 b. For example,FIG. 23a shows an attachment element 99 a sandwiched between a frontpanel 74 and a back panel 75 comprising the first side seam 80 and anattachment element 99 b sandwiched between a front panel 74 and a backpanel 75 comprising the second side seam 81. In another example, FIG.23b shows only one attachment element 99 b sandwiched between a frontpanel 74 and a back panel 75 comprising the second side seam 81. Whenonly one attachment element 99 b is embedded, the other attachmentelement 99 a may be attached to the first side seam 80 along either aninward facing surface 90 as provided in FIG. 22a or an outward facingsurface 91 as provided in FIG. 23b . It is understood that the embeddedfeature shown in FIG. 23b is likewise applicable along only the firstside seam 80 rather than only the second side seam 81. The front panel74 and the back panel 75 may be either adhesively bonded orultrasonically welded about the perimeter of the attachment element 99a, 99 b thereby forming a pocket about the attachment element 99 a, 99b.

It may be advantageous in some embodiments for one attachment element 99a to be fixed to either the outward facing surface 91 or the inwardfacing surface 90 along one side seam 80 and another attachment element99 b to be fixed to either the outward facing surface 91 or the inwardfacing surface 90 along one side seam 81. For example, FIG. 23cillustrates one exemplary embodiment whereby one attachment element 99 ais fixed to the outer surface 91 along one side seam 80 and anotherattachment element 99 b is fixed to the inner surface 90 along anotherside seam 81.

Proper function of the embodiment in FIG. 22a is facilitated by directcontact between the attachment elements 99 a, 99 b. The attachmentelements 99 a, 99 b may include, but are not limited to, mechanicaloperability via a hook-n-loop fastener or magnetic operability via thepaired arrangement of magnets or the paired arrangement of a magnet anda magnetically-attractable material.

Proper function of the various embodiments in FIGS. 23a-23c isfacilitated by indirect contact between attachment elements 99 a, 99 b.In these embodiments, either the inward facing surface 90 and theoutward facing surface 91 directly contact or the inward facing surface90 or the outward facing surface 91 contact one attachment element 99 a,99 b. The attachment elements 99 a, 99 b may include, but are notlimited to, magnetic operability via the paired arrangement of magnetsor the paired arrangement of a magnet and a magnetically-attractablematerial.

Referring now to FIG. 24, the side seams 80, 81 may include attachmentelements 93 a, 93 b for securing and/or re-securing a label 73 to acontainer 32 whereby the attachment elements 93 a, 93 b are features ofthe side seams 80, 81, respectively. The left side seam 80 may includean attachment element 93 a comprising a slot or cut that at leastpartially traverses the side seam 80 beginning at a side edge 78 andterminating at an end 94 a. The right side seam 81 may include anattachment element 93 b comprising a slot or cut that at least partiallytraverses the side seam 81 beginning at a side edge 79 and terminatingat an end 94 b. The attachment features 93 a, 93 b should be positionedand sized so that the slots are alignable and permit sliding engagementbetween the side seams 80, 81. In one example, the attachment features93 a, 93 b may be horizontal-disposed cuts which partially traverse thecenterline between top 92 and bottom 95 of the respective side seams 80,81.

Referring now to FIGS. 24 and 25 a-25 c, the side seams 80, 81 aremechanically engaged by sliding the respective attachment elements 93 a,93 b into each other so that the attachment element 93 a along the sideseam 80 traverses a portion of the other side seam 81 and the attachmentelement 93 b along the side seam 81 traverses a portion of the otherside seam 80. The result is scissor-like or x-shaped engagement aboutthe attachment elements 93, 93 b whereby a lower portion of one sideseam 80 overlaps a lower portion of another side seam 81 and oppositelythe upper portion of one side seam 80 overlaps an upper portion ofanother side seam 81. Sliding engage between the side seams 80, 81 iscomplete then the ends 94 a, 94 b contact. The depth of overlap for theleft side seam 80 onto the right side seam 81 is substantially equal tothe length of the attachment element 93 a from the side edge 78 to theend 94 a. The depth of overlap for the right side seam 81 onto the leftside seam 80 is substantially equal to the length of the attachmentelement 93 b from the side edge 79 to the end 94 b. In preferredembodiments, the lengths of the attachment elements 93 a, 93 b aresubstantially equal.

When viewed from the inward facing surface 90 of each side seam 80, 81,a portion of the side seam 81 above the attachment element 93 b overlaysan equal portion of the side seam 80 above the attachment element 93 band a portion of the side seam 80 below the attachment element 93 aoverlays an equal portion of the side seal 81 below the attachmentelement 93 a as described in FIGS. 25a -25 c.

It is possible in other embodiments when viewed from the inward facingsurface 90 of each side seam 80, 81 for a portion of the side seam 81below the attachment element 93 b to overlay an equal portion of theside seam 80 below the attachment element 93 b and a portion of the sideseam 80 above the attachment element 93 a to overlay an equal portion ofthe side seal 81 above the attachment element 94 a.

Referring now to FIG. 26, the front panel 74 and the back panel 75disposed about a collapsed bottom panel 83 in the first configurationmay form a bendable or flexible label-shaped structure permittingmounting onto an exterior surface 98 of a container 32 with consumableproduct 97 therein. An adhesive 96 may be required in some embodimentsdisposed between the inward facing surface 90 along the label 73 and theexterior surface 98 along the container 32. The attachments elements 93a, 93 b and 99 a, 99 b may initially secure the label 73 to thecontainer 32 and/or provide a means for re-securing the label 73 to thecontainer 32 after reuse as the receptacle 89 in FIG. 14. In someembodiments, the attachment elements 93 a, 93 b and 99 a, 99 b mayprovide a primary means for securing the label 73 to the container 32that is be used with or in place of an adhesive 96. In otherembodiments, the attachment elements 93 a, 93 b and 99 a, 99 b mayprovide a secondary means for securing the label 73 to the container 32that complements functionality of an adhesive 96.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-26, the label 73 formed by front panel 74,back panel 75, and bottom panel 83 are disposed in a substantiallyparallel arrangement in a first configuration and removed from thecontainer 32 having a consumable pet product 97 therein. Removal of thelabel 73 from the container 32 may require separating the pairedarrangement of attachment elements 93 a, 93 b or 99 a, 99 b disposed atopposite ends of the label 73, preferably along the side seams 80, 81.Thereafter, the label 73 is configured so that front panel 74 and backpanel 75 are separated and bottom panel 83 is expanded to form areceptacle 89 capable of holding the consumable product 97 in a secondconfiguration. Front panel 74 and back panel 75 are separated byapplying a force onto each so that front panel 74 and back panel 75 moveaway from each other between the side seams 80, 81. Thereafter, thereceptacle 89 is reconfigured so that front panel 74, back panel 75, andbottom panel 83 are once again disposed in a substantially parallelarrangement. The label 73 may be reattached to the container 32 afterthe reconfiguring step via the attachment elements 93 a, 93 b or 99 a,99 b. Reattachment is facilitated by placing the label 73 onto thecontainer 32 so that the label 73 generally conforms to the exteriorsurface 98 of the container 32 and joining the attachment elements 93 a,93 b, or 99 a, 99 b disposed at opposite ends of the label 73. In someembodiments, the adhesive 98 may further permit reattachment. Afterconfiguring the label 73 to the receptacle 89 and prior to reconfiguringthe receptacle 89 to a label 73, the consumable product 97 may bedispensed from the container 32 into the receptacle 89 therebypermitting a pet to consume the consumable product 97 from the container32.

As is evident from the explanation herein, the described invention is atransformable label assembly wherein a label has secondary functionalityas a receptacle after detachment from a container. Accordingly, thedescribed invention is expected to be applicable as a means forconsuming various foods and drink by pets or persons. It is alsounderstood that the various attachment and reattachment means betweenlabel and container described for one or more embodiments herein areapplicable to other embodiments of the reconfigurable label assemblyalso described herein.

The description above indicates that a great degree of flexibility isoffered in terms of the present invention. Although various embodimentshave been described in considerable detail with reference to certainpreferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, thespirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to thedescription of the preferred versions contained herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reconfigurable label assembly comprising: (a) acontainer; (b) a front panel; (c) a back panel; and (d) a bottom panel;wherein said front panel, said back panel, and said bottom panel beingattached, said bottom panel, said front panel, and said back panel in afolded configuration form a label attached to and being removable fromsaid container, said label disposed along an outer surface of saidcontainer in said folded configuration and being configurable to form areceptacle in an unfolded configuration, said front panel and said backpanel being separable and said bottom panel being expandable to formsaid receptacle in said unfolded configuration after said label isremoved from said container, said receptacle in said unfoldedconfiguration being configurable to said label in said foldedconfiguration after use as said receptacle in said unfoldedconfiguration.
 2. The reconfigurable label assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising: (e) a pair of attachment elements separately disposed atopposite ends of said label which cooperate to releasably secure saidfront panel, said back panel, and said bottom panel to said container insaid folded configuration.
 3. The reconfigurable label assembly of claim2, wherein one said attachment element disposed along a first side seamand the other said attachment element disposed along a second side seam,said first side seam and said second side seam overlap when said labeldisposed about said container.
 4. The reconfigurable label assembly ofclaim 2, wherein at least one of said attachment elements being amagnet.
 5. The reconfigurable label assembly of claim 2, wherein theother said attachment element being magnetically attractable when one ofsaid attachment elements being a magnet.
 6. The reconfigurable labelassembly of claim 2, wherein said attachment elements being ahook-n-loop fastener.
 7. The reconfigurable label assembly of claim 2,wherein said attachment elements being operable via a pair of slotsseparately disposed along a first side seam and a second side seam whichpermit mechanical engagement between said first side seam and saidsecond side seam.
 8. The reconfigurable label assembly of claim 2,wherein at least one of said attachment elements comprising an adhesive.9. The reconfigurable label assembly of claim 2, wherein said attachmentelements facilitate reattachment of said front panel, said back panel,and said bottom panel to said container in said folded configuration.10. The reconfigurable label assembly of claim 1, wherein said labelbeing reattachable to said container after use as said receptacle. 11.The reconfigurable label assembly of claim 1, wherein said label beingremovably attached to said container via an adhesive.
 12. Thereconfigurable label assembly of claim 1, wherein said label beingremovably secured to said container via frictional forces.
 13. Thereconfigurable label assembly of claim 1, wherein said label beingremovably attached to said container via a tape.
 14. The reconfigurablelabel assembly of claim 1, wherein said container has a liquidconsumable by a pet.
 15. The reconfigurable label assembly of claim 1,wherein said container has a solid consumable by a pet.
 16. Thereconfigurable label assembly of claim 1, wherein said container has aliquid consumable by a person.
 17. The reconfigurable label assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said container has a solid consumable by a person. 18.The reconfigurable label assembly of claim 1, wherein an indicia beingdisposed along said front panel.
 19. The reconfigurable label assemblyof claim 1, wherein an indicia being disposed along said back panel. 20.The reconfigurable label assembly of claim 1, wherein an indicia beingdisposed along said bottom panel.